The two of them walked across the street, strolling all the way until they neared the park.
Natsume-san instinctively found a spot to sit down, only for Shirai-san to persistently close the distance beside her once again.
Perhaps a bit confused by the current situation, Natsume Sonoko blinked, looking somewhat bewildered as she gazed at Shirai-san.
How did she suddenly get specially recruited by Judgment? Natsume Sonoko felt a sense of utter bewilderment.
It all started just to find the Misaka Sisters—she'd spent days hunched over Uiharu's computer watching surveillance footage, and as a result, got roped into signing a bunch of documents by Konori-senpai.
Now, things had spiraled into this completely unexpected situation.
Being headhunted by the headquarters naturally gave Natsume-san a bit of a start.
But unlike previous offers from that Hirosue Asuka or various research institutes, Judgment, despite its official nature, was more of a volunteer organization made up of students, aimed at maintaining Academy City's daily operations.
Natsume-san had always held a fairly good impression of Judgment, and even of the Anti-Skill teachers.
The main reasons she'd refused back then weren't just wanting to avoid training camps, but also worrying about spending too much of her personal time on Judgment duties.
"Natsume-san, regarding the special recruitment, I'm completely serious."
Shirai-san's eyes widened slightly, their gazes meeting in the air, practically sparking with invisible electricity.
For Onee-sama's smile, for the future of Judgment, Shirai-san rose to her feet with formidable intensity, her sharp gaze pinning Natsume-san in place.
No matter what, Kuroko must succeed. So she'd give it her all.
"Natsume-san, look into my eyes." Shirai-san placed both hands on the shoulders of a certain bun-haired girl, fixing her with a resolute stare.
"Shirai-san…"
Her mind feeling somewhat hazy, Natsume Sonoko unconsciously murmured the name.
Shirai-san was so serious… but Natsume-san still didn't really want to join.
Natsume-san knew Judgment well. They were always so busy—it totally didn't fit the image she had for herself.
"Natsume-san, you are extremely important to Judgment. You are the first Level 5 to apply, which holds special significance for us. And I came here today to formally invite you to join Judgment. Not only that, I'm also speaking to you carrying the hopes of Konori-senpai and Uiharu-san as well."
Shirai-san took a deep breath, speaking each word deliberately. This was Shirai-san in full serious-mode.
"Special significance?"
Natsume Sonoko was taken aback. Shirai-san had brought Konori-senpai and Uiharu-san's hopes with her too? Why had things suddenly become so solemn?
"Being in Judgment isn't incompatible with your life, Natsume-san. Judgment needs you, but haven't you always needed Judgment as well?"
"We understand your concerns, but we've made changes too. Please, see our sincerity."
Shirai-san gave Natsume-san's shoulder a firm pat, nearly numbing the poor girl's arm.
A certain someone's face flushed slightly red, as if remembering something.
It was a bit embarrassing to admit, but Natsume-san did often cause trouble for Judgment—especially for this particular teleporter who was now vigorously patting her shoulder.
But it was precisely because of Shirai-san and Uiharu-san that Natsume-san held such a favorable view of Judgment in the first place.
At that moment, Natsume Sonoko's expression turned serious as well.
When it came down to it, she bore some responsibility too. Signing those agreements with such a careless attitude back then had ended up causing trouble for a lot of people.
Just thinking about it tangled Natsume-san's thoughts into a knotted mess.
"Aside from canceling the training camp, we've also taken your special circumstances, like your club activities, into consideration."
"So, after discussing it with headquarters, we decided that you won't be assigned to a fixed branch at any particular school."
"Instead, you'll be a non-stationary Judgment member without a fixed school assignment. The authority granted to you upon joining would include crime intervention, ability use authorization, and civilian evacuation."
Shirai-san spoke with utmost seriousness.
Having said her piece, she withdrew her hand from Natsume-san's shoulder and looked up toward the azure sky.
The right to use her abilities legitimately—that was a privilege granted to Judgment members.
It wasn't like Natsume Sonoko hadn't caused quite a stir before while saving people, but many of those instances involved unauthorized ability use.
No wonder staying under the radar had become second nature to a certain someone.
In Academy City, espers who got into fights tended to do so covertly. Those who fought openly on the streets would inevitably attract the attention of Judgment and Anti-Skill squads.
And even for a Level 5, if the goal was to stop a crime in progress, doing so without law enforcement authority would still lead to being taken to the Anti-Skill headquarters for questioning and filing a report—a process a certain bun-haired girl was quite familiar with, having been through it several times.
"I see… I've never heard of this type of Judgment member before."
The words of refusal Natsume Sonoko had been about to utter stuck in her throat. She was beginning to hesitate.
If it was the kind of Judgment member Shirai-san described… maybe Natsume-san could accept it. It wouldn't require her to do any particularly troublesome tasks.
And being able to legitimately use her abilities to stop crimes held a significant appeal for Natsume-san.
While she was on good terms with Anti-Skill, that didn't mean she enjoyed making trips to their headquarters. Becoming a Judgment member would simplify the process considerably.
This 'non-stationary' role was essentially a reflection of Shirai-san's own modus operandi—though her assigned patrol area was Sakugawa Middle School, she had a tendency to patrol all over the place.
But for Natsume, not being stationed at a school meant no daily patrols, no responsibility for cases within a specific school, the training camp was canceled, and she could use her abilities openly.
Judgment had indeed made considerable concessions. Natsume was being given preferential treatment, to the point where her daily routine wouldn't even need to change.
While Academy City was supposedly the safest place in the world, it wasn't devoid of crime. As for the dangers Judgment members might face, Natsume Sonoko wasn't overly concerned.
It wasn't that Natsume was getting arrogant, but ordinary people—and even lower-level espers—posed little threat to her. After all, the delinquents of Academy City had once lived under the shadow of a certain bun-haired girl.
Speaking of delinquents, Natsume Sonoko frowned slightly. She felt like she was forgetting something. But since she'd forgotten, it probably wasn't important.
"Shirai-san, let me think about it a little more."
With all her initial concerns addressed, Natsume-san genuinely felt Judgment's sincerity, and found herself at a loss for how to refuse.
But was there someone in Judgment who understood her this well?
After a moment's thought, Natsume Sonoko turned her gaze back to Shirai-san.
Of course. It definitely had something to do with Shirai-san, didn't it?
"There's no time to think! Konori-senpai and Uiharu are waiting!"
Perhaps sensing Natsume-san's scrutinizing gaze, Shirai-san suddenly grabbed the bun-haired girl's arm.
In the blink of an eye, the two of them vanished from the park.
By the time she stepped out of Judgment Branch 177, Natsume-san was holding a green shield-shaped armband, quietly gazing at the distant blue sky.
Although she'd received the armband from Konori-senpai, Natsume Sonoko wasn't officially a Judgment member yet. Completing the necessary procedures would likely take another two or three days.
Slipping the armband into her pocket, Natsume-san reminded herself she didn't need to patrol. She'd only wear it when an emergency arose.
"Natsume-san, wait a moment."
Konori-senpai's voice came from beside her. Turning, Natsume-san saw her holding a first-aid kit.
"This is a medical supply kit for Judgment members. You can come to our branch to replenish it each month. Also, a stipend will be deposited into your bank account monthly," Konori Mii-senpai explained.
The Judgment stipend was quite substantial. Unlike scholarships, it wasn't tiered based on ability level; basically, everyone received the same amount. What Natsume-san would receive was the standard Judgment stipend.
"Thank you."
"You're welcome. We're just really glad you decided to join, Natsume-san," Konori Mii-senpai said, a happy smile on her face.
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T/N: While I am an inexperienced Translator, I have a Patreon! While it may seem empty as of now, webnovel will get 3 Chapters Every Day, and advanced chapters will be uploaded on Patreon.
It may not seem worth it now, but maybe in the future. Who knows!
[email protected]/AspenTL
If you guys wanna check it out.